Blog Article

LTL Pickup – What to Do After the Shipment is Booked

Imagine you’re responsible for managing the logistics functions at your business. It is your job to handle the orders coming in and shipments that must be sent out. After evaluating your shipping needs, you determine the ideal shipping option is Less Than Truckload or LTL shipping. After you’ve booked your LTL shipment, there are certain steps that you must take during the pickup process.

Submit a Pickup Request

First and foremost, you must collaborate with your freight service representative to create a pickup request. You’ll enter the pickup location as well as the pickup time. You’ll also need to figure out when the pickup location closes and whether any special equipment like a liftgate will be needed when the carrier arrives. In addition, you’ll need to inform the carrier of your shipment size and type and make requests for special services such as a guaranteed service.

Understand the Two Hour Pickup Window

It’s important to understand that the LTL shipping industry adheres to two-hour pickup window standard. This means, every LTL pickup must be scheduled at least two hours before it can be expected to be picked up and there must be a minimum two-hour window when the freight will be available to the carrier.

For example, if your window is 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, it will need to be scheduled no later than 2:00 pm. The two-hour pickup window standard is designed to protect the service carriers from traffic, weather, driver shortage, and other unpredictable factors that can slow them down. It sets a provision that allows them to do their job as best as they can.

Collect and Provide the Proper Documentation

The Bill of Lading or BOL is the most crucial document you should have when the carrier arrives to pick up your shipment. It is essentially a receipt of freight services that contains information such as shipping date, carrier and shipper details, shipment details, special instructions, and any additional comments as necessary.

How a 3PL Can Help

To maximize your savings on time and cost, it’s vital to be prepared to send off your LTL shipment once the carrier arrives. By using a third-party logistics or 3PL provider, you can eliminate many of the problems that are commonly associated with pickup and reduce the risk of headaches down the road.

A 3PL can manage pickup on your behalf so that you can spend your time and energy on your core competencies. You won’t have to try to figure out how to navigate the logistics challenges of your business because you’ll have a dependable and experienced 3PL by your side.

Contact Amware to Learn More About 3PLs

If you would like more information on how a 3PL provider may help with the LTL pickup process, contact Amware today. Download a free 30-day trial of Amrate Below.

29Mar, 19

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George Reyes

Executive Vice President

As Executive Vice President at Amware, George has 15 years of 3PL and Logistics Experience.